With the passing death of Sen. Ted Kennedy last week, several potential suitors have been quietly lining up to be his replacement on Capitol Hill. As of now Massachusetts law requires a special election to replace a sitting senator, which has just been scheduled for January 19, 2010. But after a poignant last request letter from Sen. Kennedy himself only days before his death, Gov. Deval Patrick is looking into the possibility of honoring the request by appointing an interim Senator until the special election takes place. Since Ted Kennedy held his Senate seat for more than 40 years, who has the stature, financial backing, and political know-how to be Teddy’s “heir apparent?” Here now is a look at possible replacements:
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VICTORIA REGGIE KENNEDY – As the widow of Teddy, who carried herself with poise and grace during his funeral services, she is perhaps first in line for the job. But the new widow has already said she is not interested in being her husband’s replacement on Capitol Hill. Some of Teddy’s closest friends in the Senate, however, believe that once Vicki has taken some time to grieve, she may reconsider and allow herself to be the deciding vote in the Senate to pass her husband’s lifelong goal of universal health care.
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JOSEPH KENNEDY II – The son of Robert F. Kennedy and close nephew to Ted could be the family’s best choice for keeping a blood KENNEDY in the Senate. He’s already served 12 years in the House of Representatives and could easily make the jump to fulfill his uncle’s legacy. It is rumored that he’s never gotten along well with his uncle’s wife Vicki, which could set up quite a family squabble should she change her mind and decide she wants the job afterall.`
MICHAEL DUKAKIS – The former Governor of Massachusetts and Democratic Presidential nominee has been out of main stream politics for many years. But many consider him a viable option to fill the Senate seat because of his incredible political ties within his state and his ability to still raise money to fend off any Republican challenger. Could be a sleeper choice.`
ED MARKEY – A current Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts and a long time Kennedy family friend, Markey has the political know-how and the political machine already in place to possibly make the successful jump from the House of Representatives to the Senate. He’s also a very rich man with very rich connections, a factor that could certainly benefit him during a run for re-election.`
Other names being privately tossed around in Massachusetts include current Democratic Rep. Barney Frank, former Congressman Marty Meehan, and current Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.
